The beginning was alright. It went by with a blur. I walked in, didn't recognize anyone and awkwardly stood there looking dumb. I got the table card telling me where to go, and walked to hang up my coat. A girl from my youth group yelled out at me so I went over and hung out with the 3 or so people I knew.

We went in, the rest of the group showed up, we talked, and I was being awkward. They were all teasing me about being such a loser and one kid was showing me dance moves to do.

Anyway, the party went by and here is what basically happened:

Good stuff
- I danced. Boy did I dance. My feet are throbbing and I still am swaying a bit.

- I almost kissed a girl. I got THIS close (can't really show) because I was dared to drink Sprite with a crushed up taco inside and mustard and some girl was going to kiss me if I did (she was probably joking). I did get a couple hugs though (close enough for me)

- I was social. I talked to new people, and got to know the people I knew more. I also heard a bunch of deep dark secrets that actually took me down a bit (I'll go into that in the 'bad' section).

- I had a great time and at the end people actually took the time to say goodbye to me. I didn't do anything incredibly stupid or weird (I almost got my sleeve in the candle as it was being lit but nothing happened) and I felt satisfaction.

The bad:

- I still felt invisible and was ignored a lot.

- I didn't get to light a candle (the whole youth group did but that was a group thing)

- I have sort of a bad taste in my mouth from stuffing down cake

- I acidentally smacked heads into a girl I was "hugging"

- I almost broke my leg trying to be cool and "break dance" I put that in quotes because it was nothing close

- My dancing was criticized (some said I wasn't dancing at all) because I have little sense of rhythm and found myself doing the same thing over and over

- Found my mind drifting and realizing I was standing there doing nothing (I looked like a fool). I thoguht about such things as the insulation in the walls, biology class, writing this on TFW afterwards, and other randomness I don't remember now.

Overall, I had a great time, and I think everyone else did too. I did get a mini conversation in with the birthday girl and nothing was a set up (people said this may be a trap where I would be embarrased for life). There was NO alcohol, NO drugs, NO underage sex, and NO law breaking. I told you that, and even if there were those things, I would not have done them (I've got values ) but it was still awesome.

Thank you guys who took my questions seriously and helped me (I took the gift card idea but put it in a little card purse that she can use for money or cards or stuff), my clothes fit what everyone else was wearing, and I didn't fail entirely at being social. Thanks so much and now I'm gonna go sleep because I'm worn out.

Good job on the pros. Just be outgoing and you'll be suprised on what you can get, and how much people will appreciate you for it. I wouldn't have the girlfriend I have now if I stayed as shy as I was in middle school.

I'm glad to hear that things went well for you. Don't get the stuff you listed in the "bads" get you down. As I said in your other thread, just take it one step at a time. One good time can lead to others. Also, kudos on your stance of leaving if things start taking a turn you don't like. I really respect that.